TruTip Finger Stylus

Quick look

At a recent conference I gave a presentation about assistive technology for disabled federal users. During one show I noticed someone with a neurological disorder using an interesting stylus with his personal digital assistant.

After the show I inquired about the device and learned it was one of a line of products from TrueTip LLC of Fairfax, Va.

The company's main product is called the Finger Stylus. You slip it over your finger and it grips on much like a ring. There is a little plastic spike at the top of stylus. I asked for some samples to try it myself.

The first thing I noticed was that using the Finger Stylus was much more intuitive than a normal stylus, which I find too small to comfortably hold and use for long periods. But nothing is more natural than simply pointing at data you want to access on a touch screen.

If you use your finger, most touch screens will still operate, but you will see smudges and smears from the oils on your hand. The Finger Stylus keeps your finger off the screen but lets you point and click normally.

Another benefit I discovered in wintertime is that the Finger Stylus is flexible enough to slip on over a glove. My fingers stayed warm while I was taking some last-minute notes one morning in the swirling snow while awaiting a train.

For disabled users or those without a lot of strength in their hands, the Finger Stylus is a godsend. Even for nondisabled folks, the stylus feels natural and should increase productivity with your PDA, smart phone or Tablet PC.

The company also makes a Pen Cap Stylus, which is basically the top of a pen with the same pointer spike as the finger model.

If you like holding a full-size pen better than a tiny stylus, this is a good product for you.